Milans El Shaarawy out of Ajax clash

30 September 2013 04:58

AC Milan's Italian international striker Stephane El Shaarawy's frustrating season continued on Monday as he was ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League match with Ajax because of a foot injury.

The 21-year-old -- who has played just twice this season because of a mixture of injury and being left out by coach Massimiliano Allegri -- has a fractured left foot, the club announced.

"El Shaarawy, who was called up for the game has not been able to travel to the Netherlands because of a tiny fracture of his left foot," Milan announced in a statement.

With El Shaarawy out Allegri will likely select Mario Balotelli and Alessandro Matri up front, Slovenian Valter Birsa -- who scored their winner on Saturday in the 1-0 win over Sampdoria in what was only their second victory in six Serie A games -- will fill the role of playmaker.

Milan travel to Amsterdam on the back of beating Celtic 2-0 in their opening group match while Ajax slumped to a 4-0 defeat by Barcelona.